He wasn't kind of an asshole, he was a world-class (literally or as literally as it gets) asshole.

This is often the case with artistes (hence "those guys"), so it's usually required you compartmentalize if you happen to learn about their douchebaggery. But in Gauguin's case it's often difficult because some of the work - and most of his most famous stuff - is a very clear reminder of his shenanigans.

[7] Too true of Woody Allen. It's kind of uncomfortable sometimes. With painting at least there are no words, there's the distance of time passed in most cases, and of course usually you're not looking at the artist himself.

[6] Ah, got it. Yes, it can be difficult..listening to a sublime Miles Davis solo, the depth and beauty of his playing..hard to reconcile that a man who could do THAT, would then go home and beat up his girlfriend..